6 tips to respond to employee anxiety about COVID-19
By Deb Wise Harris (National Manager, Communications, Canadian Mental Health Association, National)
With coronavirus (COVID-19) now officially being called a pandemic by the World Health Organization, public fear and anxiety are on the rise. Your employees may be experiencing a high degree of uncertainty, worry and stress about the health and safety of their loved ones, and how this pandemic may disrupt their work and personal lives.
While employers are preparing responses to safeguard their business operations and protect the physical health of their employees during this crisis, it’s important to consider everyone’s psychological health and safety, too.
In order to support the psychological health and safety of your employees, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) recommends employers consider the following six tips:
- Have a plan. Let employees know that you are thinking and looking ahead, that you will stay well-informed and that you can answer the questions they already have: What if I get sick? How do I take time off work? What if my family member contracts the virus? You may want to compile frequently asked questions and direct employees to them often.
- Communicate, share and be open. Worry and fear grow in the absence of up-to-date information. Let your employees know that they can expect regular updates from you. Communicate even if the situation remains unchanged.
- Empathize. Share that you know it’s stressful. Recognize that it’s okay to be anxious. Remind your employees of resources (EAP) that are available for those who are experiencing stress.
- Reassure—as best you can. You can refer to reports indicating that most people who become infected with the virus will recover.
- Understand. Recognize when stress has become unmanageable for individual employees. Stress can lead to anxiety and even panic. Some employees may need mental health days and medical intervention in order to cope. Encourage employees to practice self-care activities on-the-job and reassure them that it’s ok to take steps to manage stress, such as relaxation exercises, listening to relaxing music or taking regular breaks.
- Recognize this is not quite ‘business as usual.’ Know that work will likely be impacted—work will slow down, necessary travel may be canceled. Reassure staff that expectations will shift accordingly, and that’s ok. We will get through this!
Additional resources for employers:
https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/practical-workforce-strategies-that-put-your-people-first.html?nc=1
Additional resources for employees:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/hope-resilience/202003/how-stay-emotionally-healthy-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
NOTE: This article originally appeared on the CMHA National Website and is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of professional advice.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or need immediate help, please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free (In QC: 1-866-277-3533), 24/7 or visit www.crisisservicescanada.ca
Even though we have been in COVID for a number of months now, stress is still a factor that has gotten many of us concerned about the future. I think that the tips you provided are very helpful, especially the importance of empathy. When employees feel like they’re understood, it goes a long way.
my brother has some issue of anxiety and sometimes he has sleep disorder too, can you help me with some tips which is helpful?
Hello John,
Thank you for reaching out on your brother’s behalf. Outside of the tips provided in this post, there’s some information about various mental health issues including Anxiety on this page: https://staging.cmhakelowna.com/mental-health/learn-about-mental-illnesses/ There is a checklist and suggested resources also listed once you click on the Anxiety link and scroll through the document.
If your brother is 25 or older he can connect with Virtual Counselling – you can click here for more information about that. If he is under 25 we have Virtual Counselling through Foundry Kelowna, which we operate, the best way to get help through Foundry Kelowna is to get him to call the office, they will take some information and then direct him to some help. That number is 236 420 2803. We also encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out to their family doctor or a medical professional. We hope this is helpful for you and your brother, please take good care.
Due to covid-19 phase many people so scared they avoid to travel outside. thank for providing these tips they are very helpful, especially the importance of empathy.
We are so glad you found this helpful!